The NBA is back in top form after a busy 10-game slate on Wednesday. With so many games on the schedule, I’ll discuss one takeaway from each fantasy basketball game on the second night of the season.
Nets @ Hawks
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Dyson Daniels is a must-play player in every league. He started as a shooting guard, and while he was known for his defense (he had five steals and a block in his Hawks debut), he shot an efficient 6 of 12 from the field, with two 3s, five rebounds and two assists. He’s played the third-most minutes on the team (35), and at just 29%, he’s a player who contributes in every category and whose offensive game is maturing quickly enough to also be in points leagues.
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Well, Onyeka (Okongwu)! This is my breakout coming off the bench, dropping an efficient 28 points with eight boards and three swats.
Pacers @ Pistons
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Welcome back Bennedict Mathurin. He finished the season opener with 19 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3PT, 7-9 FT), six rebounds and one assist. Making nine free throws in 28 minutes was a surprise but also a reminder that he’s a bucket off the bench. He was in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year his rookie year and could look to regain that status after an injury-riddled sophomore season. With 19% strength, I would consider spreading Mathurin in 12-team points leagues.
Cavs@Raptors
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Immanuel Quickley left Wednesday’s competition with a pelvic injury and did not return. He will undergo testing and fantasy managers will have to wait and see his prognosis. IQ also had a great start to the season. He had 13 points with four assists, two rebounds, two triples and a steal in 14 minutes.
Magic @ Heat
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No turnovers for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner?!? It’s only the second time in 142 regular season games that no player recorded a turnover in the same game. Both players had very efficient games, combining for 56 points, 7 of 14 from three with 15 rebounds, five actions and seven assists. Seeing Paolo take care of the ball and Franz hitting his 3s is a great start for Orlando Magic and Fantasy managers.
Bucks@Sixers
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The most underrated stat line of the night goes to Brook Lopez, going 4×5 with 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six blocks – a truly dominant performance in the paint for the 17-year veteran. There is still a notable drop in his FG%, but his 3-point shooting from the center position and blocked shots will continue to support his value.
Hornets @ Rockets
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There are so many choices here, but I’m continuing with Tre Mann (15% of the roster) who is a must-have roster in 12-team point and bracket leagues. Depending on the severity of Brandon Miller syndrome hip injuryMann could be a must-play player in any league. Mann has been impressive since preseason, but now that that’s translating into the regular season, fantasy managers should act quickly. He functions as the primary option off the bench, but offers more stat-filling potential than Deuce McBride. Mann played 29 minutes and scored 24 points (8-16 FG, 4-8 3PT, 4-4 FT) with six rebounds, a steal and a block. Mann’s game reminds me of Allen Iverson, let him cook.
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Oh, and shout out to LaMelo Ball, showcasing his first-round potential. LaMelo became the third youngest player in NBA history to drop a 30-point, 10-assist game in the season opener.
Bulls @ Pelicans
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No injury was more significant Wednesday night than that of Dejounte Murray. Much to the dismay of Pels fans and Fantasy managers, Murray reportedly fractures left hand and faces extended absence. Zion Williamson also missed Wednesday’s game due to illness, but upon his return I would expect Murray to be primarily used by CJ McCollum (who will likely start at point guard), Brandon Ingram and Willamson. Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado will also see more minutes. However, I need to see more production before I consider adding them to leagues. My take on Ingram disappearing won’t age well.
Grizzlies@Jazz
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Zach Edey struggled, so his debut was muted, but Santi Aldama (27% of the squad) leading the Grizzlies in scoring was a surprise. He made five 3s and it’s safe to say he’ll start at PF for as long as Jaren Jackson Jr. is out. Aldama is a broadcast option in all 12-team leagues until JJJ returnsbut Santi can be a little streaky at times.
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Another note is that even though Keyonte George shot horribly from the floor and his charity stripe, he made seven dimes and no turnovers – progress!
Suns @ Clippers
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James Harden’s 39.4% usage in Game 1 is precisely why he should have been a first-round pick in fantasy drafts. I’m not sure how he’ll manage to stay healthy with that kind of workload, but it’s a good look at his fantasy value for the future.
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It was an anti-climatic night for Devin Booker, who attempted fewer than 10 shots in a game for only the third time in his career while playing at least 30 minutes.
Warriors @ Trail Blazers
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It was a shock to see Scoot Henderson come off the bench and Toumani Camara start and play well in 30 minutes.
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The most important takeaway is that the Warriors will continue to change their rotation, which could impact multiple players on a nightly basis. The rotation is deep and Steph Curry alluded to the fact that the Warriors continue to play a lot of guys because it’s part of their identity. Curry acknowledged it could depend on the gameor certain situations may call for a tighter rotation, but a blowout in the season opener didn’t do us any favors. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the minutes distribution between Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins.